| Scuba diving allows
you to delve into a vast underwater world and swim with exotic marine
creatures. It is a sport that may take you to exciting locations
around the world.
For diving, you need to be reasonably fit and have
a medical to ensure you are in good health. Rules are strict. You
will not be allowed to dive if you have a perforated ear drum, for
example.
A short 'try dive' in a swimming pool should give
you a good idea if you are comfortable with the equipment and in
the water.
If so, you could go on an initial short course with
an instructor, perhaps in a resort. Scuba
Mallorca calls this its 'Discover Scuba Diving' course.
The next stage is a four to five-day PADI
(Professional Association of Diving Instructors) open water course,
which gives you freedom to dive with a buddy independent of an instructor.
On all certified diving courses, which include theory sessions,
you will learn about diving techniques, safety and equipment.
If you want to take the sport further, PADI, which
is the world's largest diver training organisation, also has advanced
diver courses and specialist training. PADI courses are performance
based so you can progress as soon as you have mastered the skills
required at each level.
When you are scuba diving, make sure you do not
contribute to the degeneration of the world's oceans and sea life.
Do not touch or step on coral
and hold on tight to your disposable camera because if dropped the
battery and other components will harm marine life.
For further information:
Dive
Worldwide says where in the world to dive according to the season.
Big Blue
Planet has general information about diving locations. Divewise
has tales from travellers who provide an unbiased view of diving
destinations. Dive
Magazine has a directory of dive centres in its online links
directory. If
You Dive allows you to 'explore thousands of dive sites and
destinations without even getting wet'.
The British
Sub Aqua Club and BSAC
Travel Club have useful information about learning to dive.
Destinations:
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